Lightning Is Everywhere, Even Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Three games and a spot on Dissidia’s roster just aren’t enough for Lightning. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has a Full Active Time Event where you fight alongside the Final Fantasy XIII protagonist. When you complete this event you can earn armor and weapons modeled after Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It looks like female characters get a Lightning costume while male characters can earn a Snow costume.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII also has crossover items from Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. A Miqo’te costume is hidden in the game and players can find clues on how to unlock it hidden in Lightning Returns. Lightning can also find a sword and shield themed after the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn states Limsa Lominsa, Ul’dah, and Gridania by completing side quests.

I don’t have anything against it, but I just feel that they’re trying too hard to build her popularity.

I prefer it to be more natural, to like a character because of what he is, not because they’re putting his face and shouting his name everywhere.

Paradox me

I don’t think they really have to build her popularity at this point; Japanese fans ranked her their favorite female character in the series.

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Espada_of_Alexandria/index/ konpon568

That’s what mind control does. We have a Mindflayer in our midst!

Virevolte

They maintain her popularity (and her visibility) if you prefer. And I find it quite artificial. I didn’t like her much in the first game, and she wasn’t much in the second one.

I’m just trying to say that I would like to find a reason to like her in a game, not because of the over-advertizing. Sort of.

Wait what

But that’s the point. People already do like her because of the games. She’s being advertised so much and put into so many games BECAUSE people already like her. Japan loved XIII, and the XIII games have a pretty decent fanbase in America too, despite what the internet hatred would have you believe. Go to an anime convention, Lightning is everywhere. Check out Ali Hillis twitter, some dude got a Lightning tattoo recently.

People love XIII and love Lightning. If someone doesn’t, that’s totally okay, but I’m sick of people having the attitude of “if I didn’t like it then something is clearly wrong”. Nobody is going to like the exact same things as another person. That would be boring. Not sure why the XIII haters can’t understand that and expect everything to cater to their tastes exclusively. Not accusing you of this, of course, just mumbling to myself now that I’ve gotten on the subject…

Daniel

Finally someone said it. I loved not just Lightning but most all of everything related to the FFXIII franchise. And that was before the sequels and add ins.
She is a popular character and kinda tragic when you know what her life is about. Most people either never took the time to bother, did but didn’t care, or tried but couldn’t understand. But no matter where you fall, her popularity isn’t forced on anyone, you either care or you don’t and move on.
Much like with Mario, or Sonic, or Master Chief, or Lara Croft, or Cloud, or Kratos, or . . .

Wesley Kenneth Houpt Mattingly

XII was popular in Japan? Thats why all negative reviews were suppressed outside Japan until after the release in the West…Sure Famitsu gave it a stellar score, but they’re just as bad as IGN when it comes to ratings. I liked parts of FFXIII, but it really should have been a spin-off and not a main numbered series. It is too far from what it means to be FF, I think it would have done significantly better as a separate IP or spin-off.
Many people hate XIII because it is not a FF. There is so little about it that has a ring of FF to it, that I was convinced while playing it that some other team must have made it(I was right). Now part of this is because neither Nobuo nor Yoshitaka, or Hitoshi had anything to do with it. But the battle system was boring. Why ever choose an attack order when Auto-Battle will choose the same thing and faster. You didn’t play the battles, you auto-pilot them. Even the Paradigm system was a cool idea, but poorly done, since it was really the only playing you did in battle, hitting R1 or RB. Otherwise it was just X/A repeatedly. Maybe choose a target now and then.

When you die, you get to try again, WTF? No MP-it doesn’t matter that they made some lame excuse as to why this was the case. There is no death in FFXIII, there is no punishment for failure, or trying to fight a boss that is too hard. Gear is completely unimportant to the mechanics of the battle system. I never once upgraded a weapon or armor piece and made it to the end of the game without trouble. Gear has always been an integral part of FF, so much so that some FF can be beaten at starting levels just by having the right gear. I.e. FFVI and FFIX. The game is linear as hell, and then 13-2 was so non-linear that it became muddled.

What FFXIII is however, is one more example of SE slapping the name of FF on something so it sells. There are reasons why it’s sales were so poor despite being the first multiplatform FF at launch.

You don’t have to agree with me, but maybe you understand where the rest of the world is coming from now. It’s not just simply we hate FFXIII, because there are things to love about it. We hate FFXIII, because we love FF and know what to expect from it. Many like myself started with FF on NES back 1990 or so. I love how FF has evolved into great things. But this was the second numbered FF in 23 years that left me feeling cheated. FFXIII like many other titles in the series have fallen short of expectations.

DivinePhoenix69

So just because XIII actually tried to do something different that it automatically doesnt deserve to be called a FF game? Thats the dumbest logic ive heard in awhile. Just because you dont like it doesnt mean everyone else agrees with your opinion, because its just that:your opinion. Whether you want to believe it or not, alot of people actually like the XIII games. Deal With It.

Lol and i dare you to try and get through some of the mid-lategame bosses by only just mashing autoattack.

Love how you call me a fanboy for calling you out on your post, yet you complain about XIII not being like your favorite older titles. Your the one who sounds like a fanboy here.

Yea im aware XIII wasnt perfect either(FF9 is actually my favorite entry btw), but it wasnt terrible like everyone says it is either by any means.

Wesley Kenneth Houpt Mattingly

Now you read my post, but your initial reply indicated a TL : DR response. I liked FFXIII, and made a good case as to why people don’t. Hence why I got up voted. I mentioned innovation as well in my post, but innovation ceases to be innovation when the original idea no longer exists. FFXV, innovative for a numbered FF, looks amazing, yet still harnesses the essence of FF in it from what has been shown. Granted only playing it will really tell us, but at least they are catering to old and new, rather than trying to get a new fanbase like XIII did.

DivinePhoenix69

Love how you call me a fanboy for calling you out on your post, yet you complain about XIII not being like your favorite older titles. Your the one who sounds like a fanboy here.

Yea im aware XIII wasnt perfect either(FF9 is actually my favorite entry btw), but it wasnt terrible like everyone says it is either by any means.

EinMugenTenshin

Truth be said, a lot also hated it. That said they are changing it for lightning returns, and hopefully both old and new will enjoy that battle system (etc.) more as it seem to be more engaging.

OathkeeperSoraXIII

This. 100% this.

AFatHouseCat

Actually whenever there are polls in Japan for favorite characters in an RPG series the most recent entry’s characters usually tops the chart, followed by classic favorites. See any Tales of chart ever, same with anime and manga, it’s what’s current in people’s minds. The real test is if she’s still ranking up there with Tifa and Aerith 10+ years later.

Not hating on Lightning, just saying, polls like that mean little in the long term, and when Squeenix makes a new FF IP they pray it’s for the long term.

supervamp

Polls like that mean everything for money

EinMugenTenshin

This is probably not correct.

I’ll give arguments for my case, but let us first present your source.

If you go back to the source of the FACEBOOK vote (With a lot of FFXIII advertisement) it would look like this:

What you should notice is 8th came in as a tie because of same amount of votes, 10th also, 14th also and 17 had 3 characters with the EXACT same amount of votes.

In other words there must be very few votes involved (they seem to have removed the poll), as they are unable to separate them, making it statistically very difficult to evaluate a p value bellow 0,1, thus it should be rated as statistically insignificant.

Further on, the people who hate FFXIII would not be a fan on this site! It is likely that they either canceled their sub to the facebook page after the dissatisfaction of the last games, or didn’t bother signing up as a fan because they were less than impressed. Not to mention that many of the “old school” gamers in general don’t bother using facebook. Then of course you have all the casuals, the majority, that are not hardcore fan enough to join that facebook page to begin with, where are their vote?

Then it is the fact that the most recent image of Lightning is being pushed greatly (as many others here has mentioned, so I won’t go into details here).

Also this site only counts 1 vote, making it extremely easy to rig. If you have asked all of those voting for Yuffie, Rosa or Eiko to vote for a different character I find it doubtful that Lightning would be the second pick. Further on, if someone with an agenda vote Lightning in an tactical way to boost her image, it is very easy for that purely strategic vote to influence such a result greatly. Those people would not vote Lightning, after say FFXV, and either change their vote to a new profile, or go back to their old/true favorite. And if the amount of votes are few to begin with the end result are even more squeed from reality.

I could continue on, but to say that vote represent Japan is probably not correct.

Minos

Kudos for critical thinking.

DivinePhoenix69

Thats not really the point though. What he is trying to say is that she is the most popular female in the series CURRENTLY, which is why she’s been getting pushed alot recently, that and for advertisement purposes.

EinMugenTenshin

And I am trying to say that this is incorrect. She is not the most popular CURRENTLY. There is nothing that support that claim. I have given argumentation for this and why it is the case, so I’ll leave it at that.

ShinobiBrown

Cool beans Square. Now keep with this theme and do events for each other Final Fantasy title, Tactics and Crystal Chronicles included. That would please a LOT of people along with giving them even more to do in the game.

Virevolte

Yeah, such events would be really great. Curiously, I didn’t found Crystal Chronicles that good, but I have a great deal of attachment to it.

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Espada_of_Alexandria/index/ konpon568

Ivalice proper should be part of Hydaelyn. Doesn’t matter which Era version is chosen. Make it happen, SE!

Randy Marsh

Considering the fact Zodiark is in ARR, there could be a possibility of the Lucavi/Scions of FFT/FFXII fitting into the story. They could fit in perfectly if they would be the servants that the Ascians could summon.

Wait what

They’re adding the Crystal Tower from FF3 in the next big update. They’ve also already shown concept art from a Gilgamesh of FF5 quest. Not to mention how there’s already representation of every other major FF game in there somewhere (FF2′s battle theme, Magitek of FF6, Materia of FF7, etc). I wouldn’t hold my breath for Crystal Chronicles, though, few actually remember it even exists nowadays, let alone include it as part of the series, unfortunately. Tis the fate of spin-offs, I’m afraid.

negineBIT

She’s everywhere… except my room.. ; ____;

TheExile285

That is because she is in mine :P

I’ll tell her some random poster with a chibi miku avatar said hi though :3

negineBIT

LOL! you made my day XD

Dark Zerato

If she is in your room, you are done.

Chaos_Knight

inb4LightninginXV

Deebo#Take What I Like

Too bad i’m not a lightning fan

Frederick Anchores Panahon

Is this FATE already out?

Detrimont

but i want a hope costume

Time Sage

Looks to be more the JUST a fate. She’s cleary hanging out in Gridania there, and FATEs don’t happen in cities.

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Espada_of_Alexandria/index/ konpon568

Her FATE will be randomly spawning in all three starting City-State regions, just like “The Return of the King” FATE Holiday event.

Time Sage

I get that, but if you look closely you see a shot of lightning herself standing infront of the Amphitheater in Grid itself. Fates do not happen in the city proper. So there’s more to it then JUST a fate.

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Espada_of_Alexandria/index/ konpon568

Exactly like the Moonfire Faire. The FATEs would basically give you some drops to trade for Event gear and stuff. But apparently, this FATE is actually canon to the Lightning Saga. So do expect some voiced cutscenes!

Time Sage

Also, there’s cleary fights going on in Corthas and Mor Dhona.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChAgYzpMfD0X9n_9uj6Zghw Jeremy

i think this is a cool idea, especially if it allows other FF heroes/villans to be in a group/boss type event *cough Squall*

Syn

*Screams like Fangirl*…So much..we need those Gunblades the empire shows off so much with, and a Squall costume would just be killer…also seeing renzokuken in real time would be a treat(already seen omnislash v6. Lancers/Dragoons do it lol)

Wait what

I really really really want a Gunblade class to become available eventually. It’s such a ridiculous and stupid yet awesome weapon.

Syn

Lol, I know right, its got all the pre-requisites for an FF weapon class right there. Oh and greatswords………or better yet… a freaking GREATSWORD GUNBLADE class!!!!!…. A guy can dream right?

Ferrick

well considering that the pre-final boss uses a gunblade… maybe ?

Wait what

Shantotto of XI and Gilgamesh of V are already planned.

Skeptika Crediblus

“I dreamt I was a moron.” is still on me my favorite game lines of all time.

Kelohmello

While I’m beyond tired of seeing her face at this point, This is still a cool addition to FFXIV. So props.

Tom

I understand the effort to popularize LR:FF but this is getting out of hand. I hope they won’t butcher FFXV like this when the release date is due.

Shady Shariest

Nah, it will be a new chapter… Next time we will see Lightning after this will be whatever next KH game will be :3

Dagobert

I can already see a DLC for to play as Lightning in FFXV or how to change Noctis into her.

Tom

I can imagine that too but what I meant is that they won’t start throwing random FFXV related stuff into other Square Enix games. Well, I don’t think they need that kind of desperate attempts to make FFXV a must have.

DivinePhoenix69

Its already been confirmed by SE that they are planning on making multiple sequels for XV, add that to the fact that the game is already been ridicoulisly hyped by gamers(since 2006 mind you), so i wont be suprised if Square does try to push it out to try to popularize it. Whether it be cameos or other forms of advertisement.

riceisnice

What if I want to dress up as Vanielle. Her dress is pretty nomadic.

alexis cortes

A clan of Lightnings.

Pdugna

Just think though if this gets really popular the whole crossover thing…then we might get other characters from other games inside the mmo and have more summons to play with…imagine getting Yuna and getting all her summons to play with?

Ni ~UNREAL BLACK THINGS~

Shantotto and Gilgamesh are planned to be released. Cloud of darkness in the crystal tower, old enemies, old battle themes. this already have been happening before they came up with this lightning stuff

Christopher Nunes

Shantotto’s coming back? Sweet! What about Prishe? Will she come back too?

I like to see how Gilgamesh will react to the newest world he is being thrown in. Going to be a good time!

Ni ~UNREAL BLACK THINGS~

sadly SE didn’t said anything about prishe returning ):

Christopher Nunes

Aww…

Ferrick

we are getting several crossovers soon;

cloud of darkness and her crystal tower (FF3)
Golems from DQ
Shantoto from FFXI
snow, lighting and some monsters from FFXIII
Gilgamesh
Gold Saucer from FFVII

Man they are really going all out with wrapping up the XIII saga, aren’t they? Neat and all, though I really do wonder how they will explain the world-hopping shenanigans.

Dagobert

As much as I hate XIII I like how they’re including other FF related things in XIV. I want a FFVIII Squal and Rinoa armor next.

Gomfs

since they have added Magitek stuff and the empire from FF VI it could be nice if they added some of the stuff from there… *pokes the monster Atma with my Atma sword*

(added Terra into some FATE’s like Lightning would to be awesome :3)

Brimfyre

I guess you could say this kind of Lightning… always strikes twice… or three… or four times….

fairysun

It’s only a matter of time before her costume is obtainable, no?

Mimi

yes please lets see Yuna too!

Time Sage

Would rather have Gunner Yuna

Time Sage

Would rather have Gunner Yuna

Ni ~UNREAL BLACK THINGS~

*fangirling*

http://epiclyamazing.wordpress.com/ AzureNova

This event is looking pretty cool. Don’t really care much for the outfit, but I want that weapon *_*

Brion Valkerion

I’m all for this event. Theres tons of shoutouts to other FF games so why not! also if this one does well, they will do more events with shoutouts to other ff titles.

Masa

no wonder people hate her, stop putting her in everything!

http://www.facebook.com/JaeWhy SasuleUchiha

Indeed she is. Next you’ll see her in FFXV as a goddess.

Martian Wong

Unless she is a secret boss that Noctis will slaughter and make a joke out of her. Noctis is so fast since his game is an action while lightning needs to wait for her turn since her game is turn based.

iLoveLightning

Somebody needs to watch a LR trailer.

Mihel

Noctis should first take a look at his emo clothes and Sasuke hair before making a joke out of anyone.